27530, Goldsboro, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 27530, Goldsboro, North Carolina is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.67 percent of the residents in 27530 has some form of health insurance. 44.16 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.88 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase. Military veterans should know that percent of the residents in the ZIP Code of 27530 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 9,617 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27530. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 6,161 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,029 health care providers accessible to residents in 27530, Goldsboro, North Carolina.

## COPD Score Analysis: Goldsboro, NC (ZIP Code 27530)

Analyzing the landscape of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) care in Goldsboro, North Carolina (ZIP code 27530) requires a multifaceted approach. We need to assess the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs), the adoption of innovative practices, and the integration of crucial support systems like mental health resources. This analysis aims to provide a "COPD Score" assessment, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem.

The foundation of effective COPD management rests on robust primary care. In Goldsboro, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical factor. A higher ratio, indicating fewer PCPs per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, delayed diagnoses, and reduced opportunities for preventative care. Data from the North Carolina Medical Board and other sources must be analyzed to determine the current ratio. This number, when compared to state and national averages, will significantly influence the COPD Score. A low ratio would negatively impact the score, highlighting a potential barrier to accessing timely and consistent care.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care practices is paramount. We need to identify standout practices within the 27530 ZIP code. These practices will likely demonstrate best practices in COPD management, such as proactive screening for at-risk patients (smokers, those with a family history), thorough patient education on disease management and medication adherence, and readily available resources for pulmonary rehabilitation. Identifying these practices and highlighting their strengths will contribute to a more nuanced COPD Score. Practices that actively participate in initiatives like the COPD Foundation's COPD Patient Education Program (CPEP) would score favorably.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial element. The ability to offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs, and medication management via telehealth can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those residing in rural areas. Assessing the extent to which PCPs in 27530 have embraced telemedicine, including the types of services offered (e.g., virtual check-ups, medication refills, remote monitoring of oxygen saturation), will be essential. Practices with robust telemedicine programs would contribute positively to the COPD Score, demonstrating a commitment to patient convenience and proactive disease management.

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to COPD management. Patients with COPD often experience anxiety, depression, and social isolation, which can exacerbate their symptoms and negatively impact their quality of life. The availability of mental health services, including access to therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups, is a vital component of comprehensive COPD care. Assessing the integration of mental health services within primary care practices, the presence of dedicated mental health providers specializing in respiratory conditions, and the availability of support groups within the Goldsboro community will be critical. A lack of accessible mental health resources would significantly detract from the overall COPD Score, highlighting a critical area for improvement.

Furthermore, the availability of specialized pulmonary care within or easily accessible from the 27530 ZIP code is a key consideration. Access to pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and pulmonary rehabilitation programs is crucial for managing advanced COPD cases and preventing exacerbations. The proximity of these specialists, the waiting times for appointments, and the availability of comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation programs will all impact the COPD Score. A robust network of pulmonary specialists would positively influence the score, indicating a well-supported system for managing complex cases.

Another factor to consider is the availability of patient education materials and resources. Practices that provide patients with readily accessible information about COPD, including educational pamphlets, online resources, and support groups, are more likely to empower patients to actively participate in their own care. The availability of these resources, in both English and Spanish, is a positive indicator of a patient-centered approach and would contribute favorably to the COPD Score.

Finally, the use of electronic health records (EHRs) and data analytics to improve COPD care should be evaluated. Practices that utilize EHRs to track patient outcomes, monitor medication adherence, and identify patients at high risk for exacerbations are more likely to provide proactive and personalized care. The adoption of these technologies, along with the use of data analytics to identify trends and improve care delivery, would positively influence the COPD Score.

The overall COPD Score for Goldsboro (27530) will be a composite measure, reflecting the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system. A high score would indicate a well-resourced system with readily available PCPs, robust telemedicine capabilities, integrated mental health services, access to pulmonary specialists, and a strong emphasis on patient education and data-driven care. A low score would indicate areas for improvement, highlighting the need for increased PCP availability, expanded telemedicine adoption, improved mental health support, and enhanced access to specialized pulmonary care.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Goldsboro and the surrounding areas, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide valuable insights into physician locations, healthcare facility locations, and other relevant data points, allowing for a more informed assessment of the COPD care ecosystem.